In real-world studies of 540,000 people, vaccines are more effective than antibodies produced by infection

The new coronavirus, which usually infects humans through the respiratory tract, causes damage
to the respiratory system and various organs of the human body.
Since the first outbreak at the end of 2019, the new coronavirus has still ravaged the world, causing a great negative impact
on the world economy and society.

As we all know, vaccination and infection with the new crown, the body can produce antibodies, can prevent infection, which effect is better?

On December 14, 2022, researchers at Indiana University published an article titled "SARS-CoV-2 Infection, Hospitalization, and Death in Vaccinated and Infected Individuals by Age Groups in Indiana, 2021-2022" in the Journal of American Public Health (AJPH) Research papers
.

This large, real-world study showed that vaccination was more protective than antibodies produced by infection, and vaccination was associated with 37% lower all-cause mortality, 24% lower emergency department visits, and 37% lower hospitalization rates, highlighting the real-world benefits of
vaccination.

Figure 1 Research results (Source: [1])

In the study, researchers analyzed 540,000 participants aged 12-110 in the Indiana Patient Care Network (INPC) database between November 29, 2020 and February 9, 2022, 267847 of whom were vaccinated and the other half matched by the same number of COVID infections, comparing the effectiveness of vaccines with natural immunity in preventing all-cause death, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits
.

Overall, the benefits of antibodies produced by vaccination outweigh the natural immunity acquired from infection for people of all ages, and mortality is particularly low
for those aged 60 years or older.

In terms of infection rates, 6.
7% of vaccinated participants became infected within 6 months, compared to 2.
9% of those who had been previously infected
.

Although vaccination has a higher infection rate than people who have been previously infected, it is important that vaccines prevent severe disease, and natural immunity does not bring the same benefits
.

Figure 2 Comparison between vaccination and natural immunity (Source: [1])

In terms of all-cause mortality and hospitalization rates, vaccinated people were 37%
lower than those who had been previously infected.
In addition, vaccinated people had 24% lower emergency room visits for various reasons than those who were previously infected
.

The researchers say the study is significant in that it confirms through real-world evidence that the vaccine is more effective
at any age by reducing emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and the likelihood of all-cause death.

In summary, this study reassures people about vaccination, showing that vaccination is safer and more effective, should not rely on natural immunity, and significantly reduces emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and mortality rates among vaccinated people, highlighting the real-world benefits of
vaccination.